Camera apparatus

ABSTRACT

There is provided a camera apparatus, including circuitry configured to: output a first image signal for displaying a first image, output a second image signal for displaying a second image. The second image signal is an image signal transmitted as a return signal. Further, the second image is an image that includes one of a location of a focus adjustment in the first image and an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C § 120 from, U.S. application Ser. No.16/105,696; filed Aug. 20, 2018; which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.No. 10,070,065, issued Sep. 4, 2018; which is a continuation of U.S.Pat. No. 9,503,657, issued Nov. 22, 2016, which claims the benefit ofJapanese Priority Patent Application JP 2014-005577 filed Jan. 16, 2014.The entire contents of each of the above-identified applications areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a camera apparatus.

As a display of captured information in a camera apparatus, for example,there is a display with a lens focus state. In related art, emphaticallydisplaying a high frequency component of a captured image is well knownas this display method. Alternatively, transmitting a focal state of alens to a photographer, by an enlarged scaling of an arbitrary necessaryarea, is well known as this display method. However, in the case ofthese display methods, switching and displaying is performed withcaptured main line signals in one display unit display, and so theactual state of the captured main line signals will not be able to beusually confirmed. Further, in related art, a method is proposed whichcombines a main line image and an enlarged image, and displays thecombined image on one screen (for example, refer to JP 2013-341173A).However, in this case, it will be a display within one screen, andsimultaneous confirmation of an actual main line image will not be ableto be performed.

Further, as a display of imaging information in a camera apparatus, forexample, there is a display of luminance levels of captured signals.Related to this display, while a region of a level specified in advanceis identified by replacing with a color or a specific image, a capturedmain line will not be able to be usually confirmed.

Further, as a display of imaging information in a camera apparatus, forexample, there is a display of status information at the time ofimaging. Related to this display, while there are many cases in relatedart in which status information at the time of imaging is superimposed,for example, as characters on the top and bottom parts of a displayscreen of a captured image, the superimposed part will conceal theimage, and so there will be cases where obstructions to imaging areproduced.

Further, in related art, in the case of a system which sets an image ofan arbitrary camera apparatus to an on air (ON AIR) image by using aplurality of camera apparatuses, the on air image can be confirmed bytransmitting to each of the camera apparatuses as a return image. Inthis case, there will be one display unit for displaying at the imagingapparatus side, it may be necessary to switch signals, and operationsmay not be possible while confirming an on air image for a long timeperiod.

SUMMARY

It is desirable for the present disclosure to be capable of displayinginformation which becomes effective when imaging, without having aninfluence on a confirmation display of captured main line signals.

The present technology provides a camera apparatus, including a firstoutput section which outputs first image signals for displaying a firstimage corresponding to an image by captured image signals, and a secondoutput section which outputs second image signals for displaying asecond image having information which becomes effective when imaging.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, first image signals fordisplaying a first image corresponding to an image by captured imagesignals are output, by a first output section. Further, second imagesignals for displaying a second image having information which becomeseffective when imaging are output, by a second output section. Forexample, the first image signals and the second image signals may begenerated automatically, and/or may be transmitted from a camera controlunit as return signals.

Further, for example, the second image may be an enlarged imagecorresponding to a part of the first image. In this case, for example,the captured image signals may be image signals with a 4K resolution,the first image signals may be image signals with an HD resolution of asame image frame as the captured image signals, obtained by applying adown conversion process to the captured image signals, and the secondimage signals may be image signals with an HD resolution obtained bycutting out a part from the captured image signals.

Further, for example, the second image may be an image which shows aregion corresponding to a prescribed luminance level range of thecaptured image signals within the first image with a color or specificluminance pattern specified in advance. Further, for example, the secondimage may be an image which includes information showing an imagingstate. Further, for example, the second image may be an on air image.

Further, for example, the second image signals may be image signalstransmitted from a camera control unit as return signals, and the secondimage may be an image in which a display is included which shows alocation of a focus adjustment in the first image or an enlarged imagecorresponding to a part of the first image.

Further, the camera apparatus may further include a standard processingsection which obtains the first image signals by processing the capturedimage signals, a signal reception section which receives the first imagesignals transmitted from a camera control unit as return signals, and afirst selector which selectively extracts the first image signalsobtained by the standard processing section or the first image signalsreceived by the reception section, and transmits the extracted firstimage signals to the first output section. In this case, for example, ata time when there are control signals of the first selector from acamera control unit, the first selector may be controlled by switchingbased on these control signals.

Further, for example, a second selector may be additionally includedwhich extracts any one type of second image signals from a plurality oftypes of second image signals and transmits the extracted second imagesignals to the second output section. In this case, for example, thesecond selector may selectively extract second image signals obtained byan enlargement processing section, second image signals obtained by alevel display processing section, second image signals obtained by astatus generation module or second image signals received by a signalreception section, and may transmit the extracted second image signalsto the second output section. Also, in this case, at the time when thereare control signals of the second selector from a camera control unit,the second selector may be controlled by switching based on the controlsignals.

Here, the second image signals obtained by the enlargement processingsection are image signals for displaying, as the second image, anenlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image by processingthe captured image signals. Further, the second image signals obtainedby the level display processing section are image signals fordisplaying, as the second image, an image showing a region correspondingto a prescribed luminance level range of the captured image signalswithin the first image with a color or specific luminance patternspecified in advance, by processing the captured image signals. Further,the second image signals obtained by the status generation module areimage signals for displaying, as the second image, an image whichincludes information showing an imaging state. Further, the second imagesignals received by the signal reception section are image signalstransmitted from a camera control unit as return signals.

In such an embodiment of the present disclosure, first image signals fordisplaying a first image corresponding to an image by captured imagesignals are output, and second image signals for displaying a secondimage having information which becomes effective when imaging areoutput. Accordingly, it becomes possible to display information whichbecomes effective when imaging, without having an influence on aconfirmation display of captured main line signals.

Further, another aspect of the present technology provides a cameraapparatus including a camera main body, and two display units providedin the camera main body in a state in which a user is capable ofobserving the two display units at the same time. The camera main bodyhas a first output section which outputs first image signals fordisplaying a first image corresponding to an image by captured imagesignals, and supplies the output first image signals to one of the twodisplay units, and a second output section which outputs second imagesignals for displaying a second image having information which becomeseffective when imaging, and supplies the output second image signals tothe other of the two display units.

An embodiment of the present disclosure has two display units providedin a camera main body in a state in which a user is capable of observingboth at the same time. Also, this camera main body has a first outputsection and a second output section. For example, the two display unitsmay both be release type display units. Further, for example, the twodisplay units may be a viewing type display unit and a release typedisplay unit.

First image signals for displaying a first image corresponding to animage by captured image signals are output, and the output first imagesignals are supplied to one of the two display units, by the firstoutput section of the camera main body. Further, second image signalsfor displaying a second image having information which becomes effectivewhen imaging are output, and the output second image signals aresupplied to the other of the two display units, by the second outputsection of the camera main body.

For example, at the time when the two display units are a viewing typedisplay unit and a release type display unit, and the second image is anenlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image, the cameramain body may supply the second image signals output from the secondoutput section to the viewing type display unit. Further, for example,at the time when the two display units are a viewing type display unitand a release type display unit, and the second image is an image whichshows a region corresponding to a prescribed luminance level range ofthe captured image signals within the first image with a color orspecific luminance pattern specified in advance, the camera main bodymay supply the second image signals output from the second outputsection to the release type display unit.

In such an embodiment of the present disclosure, first image signals fordisplaying a first image corresponding to an image by captured imagesignals from the camera main body are output, and the output first imagesignals are supplied to one of the two display units, and second imagesignals for displaying a second image having information which becomeseffective when imaging are output, and the output second image signalsare supplied to the other of the two display units. Accordingly, itbecomes possible to display information which becomes effective whenimaging, without having an influence on a confirmation display ofcaptured main line signals.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it becomespossible to display information which becomes effective when imaging,without having an influence on a confirmation display of captured mainline signals. Note that, the effect described in the present disclosureis not limited to that illustrated, and there may be additional effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a figure which shows a basic configuration of a cameraapparatus as an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a figure which shows an internal module configuration exampleof a camera main body of the camera apparatus as an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart which shows an example of a switching controlprocess of a first selector and a second selector in a control section;

FIG. 4 is a figure which shows examples of a display of a display unitat the time when using camera internal signals;

FIG. 5 is a figure which shows examples of a display of a display unitwhen using return signals;

FIG. 6 is a figure for describing the types (release type and viewingtype) of two display units; and

FIG. 7 is a figure which shows a specific arrangement example of thedisplay units in the case where one of the two display units is arelease type and the other is a viewing type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, the modes for implementing the disclosure (hereinafter,called “embodiments”) will be described. Note that, the description willbe given in the following order.

1. The embodiments

2. Modified example

1. The Embodiments Configuration Example of the Camera Apparatus

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a camera apparatus 10 as anembodiment of the present disclosure. This camera apparatus 10 isconstituted by a camera main body 100, an imaging lens 200, and twodisplay units 301 and 302. The imaging lens 200 is attached to a lensmount section (not illustrated) in front of the camera main body 100.The two display units 301 and 302 are attached to the camera main body100 in a state in which a user (cameraman) is capable of observing bothat the same time. The display units 301 and 302 are release type displayunits, for example, constituted by liquid crystal panels.

Captured image signals are output as main line signals from the cameramain body 100. These main line signals are transmitted to a cameracontrol unit (CCU), which is not illustrated. Further, return signalsfrom the camera control unit are input to the camera main body 100. Notethat, there will be cases where the main line signals are transmitted toa recording apparatus.

The camera main body 100 outputs first image signals for displaying afirst image corresponding to an image by the captured image signals, andsupplies the output first image signals to the display unit 301. Then,the display unit 301 displays the first image by these first imagesignals. It becomes possible for a user (cameraman) to usually performconfirmation of the captured main line signals, based on a display image(first image) of the display unit 301.

Further, the camera main body 100 outputs second image signals fordisplaying a second image having information which becomes effectivewhen imaging, and supplies the output second image signals to thedisplay unit 302. Then, the display unit 302 displays the second imageby these second image signals. It becomes possible for a user(cameraman) to obtain information which becomes effective when imaging,based on a display image (first image) of the display unit 302.

The first image signals and the second image signals output from thecamera main body 100 are generated within the camera main body 100, orare transmitted from the camera control unit as return signals.

For example, the display unit 302 displays an enlarged imagecorresponding to a part of the first image, for example, as a secondimage. In this case, by having this second image set so as to include afocus point, it becomes possible for a user (cameraman) to moreaccurately perform a focus adjustment (focusing) of the focus point,based on this second image.

Further, for example, the display unit 302 displays, as a second image,an image which shows a region corresponding to a prescribed luminancelevel range of the captured image signals within the first image with acolor or specific luminance pattern specified in advance. In this case,it becomes possible for a user (cameraman) to easily perform anadjustment so that the luminance level of a prescribed region of theimage falls within the prescribed luminance level range, based on thissecond image.

Further, for example, the display unit 302 displays, as a second image,an image which includes information showing an imaging state. Forexample, the information showing an imaging state is information such asa lens state, a camera setting state or the like, and more specificallyis a frame rate, a shutter opening angle or the like. In this case, itbecomes possible for a user (cameraman) to easily understand an imagingstate, based on this second image.

Further, for example, the display unit 302 displays, as a second image,an on air image. In this case, the second image signals are imagesignals transmitted from the camera control unit. In this case, itbecomes possible for a user (cameraman) to confirm an on air image,based on this second image.

Further, for example, the display unit 302 displays, as a second image,an image in which a display (marker) is included which shows a locationof a focus adjustment in the first image or an enlarged imagecorresponding to a part of the first image. In this case, the secondimage signals are image signals transmitted from the camera controlunit. In this case, it becomes possible for a user (cameraman) to easilyunderstand an instruction of a focus adjustment location from the cameracontrol unit side, based on this second image.

FIG. 2 shows an internal module configuration example of the camera mainbody 100. The camera main body 100 has a control section 101, a useroperation section 102, an imaging section 103, a signal processingsection 104, a standard processing section 105, an enlargementprocessing section 106, a level display processing section 107, and astatus generation module 108. Further, the camera main body 100 has afirst selector 109, an output module 110, a second selector 111, anoutput module 112, and a return separation processing section 113.

The control section (camera CPU) 101 controls the operations of each ofthe sections of the camera main body 100. The user operation section 102is connected to the control section 101, and constitutes a userinterface for a user to perform various types of operations.

The imaging section 103 has an image sensor such as a ComplementaryMetal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or thelike, and outputs captured image signals with an HD resolution, a 4Kresolution or the like. An image of a photographic subject is formed onan imaging surface of the image sensor, by the above described imaginglens 200. The signal processing section 104 applies a process such as adefect correction process for the captured image signals output from theimaging section 103, and outputs captured image signals (main linesignals) as an output of the camera main body 100. These captured imagesignals are transmitted to a camera control unit, which is notillustrated.

The standard processing section 105 processes the captured image signalsoutput from the signal processing section 104, and obtains first imagesignals with an HD resolution for displaying a first image of a sameimage frame with these captured image signals, which corresponds to animage by the captured image signals. In the case where the capturedimage signals are a RAW format which outputs an RGB heterologoussequence (layer sequence) as it is, for example, the standard processingsection 105 converts the captured image signals into identical sequenceRGB signals. Further, in the case where the captured image signals arehigh resolution image signals such as 4K resolution, the standardprocessing section 105 performs a down conversion.

The enlargement processing section 106 processes the captured imagesignals output from the signal processing section 104, and obtainssecond image signals with an HD resolution for displaying, as a secondimage, an enlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image. Forexample, in the case where the captured image signals are image signalswith an HD resolution, the enlargement processing section 106 cuts out apart, and performs an up conversion. Further, for example, in the casewhere the captured image signals are image signals with a 4K resolution,or another type of high resolution, the enlargement processing section106 cuts out a part corresponding to the HD resolution, and uses the cutout part as it is. In this case, there will be no reduction inresolution such as in the case where an up conversion process isperformed.

In this case, a user (cameraman) is capable of arbitrarily setting a cutout position, that is, a position to be enlarged, by the user operationsection 102. By setting this cut out position so as to include a focuspoint, for example, it becomes possible for a user (cameraman) to moreaccurately perform a focus adjustment (focusing) of the focus point,based on the enlarged image.

The level display processing section 107 processes the captured imagesignals output from the signal processing section 104, and obtainssecond image signals for displaying, as a second image, an image whichshows a region corresponding to a prescribed luminance level range ofthe captured image signals within the first image with a color orspecific luminance pattern specified in advance (for example, a zebrapattern, a crosshatch pattern or the like). In this case, a user(cameraman) is capable of arbitrarily setting a luminance level range, acolor or a luminance pattern, by the user operation section 102.

The status generation module 108 obtains second image signals fordisplaying, as a second image, an image which includes informationshowing an imaging state (lens state, camera setting state or the like).This second image is an image, for example, which displays theinformation showing an imaging state as characters.

The return separation processing section 113 receives return signalstransmitted from the camera control unit. The return separationprocessing section 113 separates and acquires first image signals and/orthe second image signals included in the return signals. Similar to theabove described first image signals obtained by the standard processingsection 105, the first image signals separated and acquired from thereturn signals are image signals for displaying a first imagecorresponding to an image by the captured image signals. These firstimage signals are obtained by applying a process similar to that of thestandard processing section 105 for the captured image signalstransmitted from the camera main body 100 as main line signals at thecamera control unit side.

Further, similar to the above described second image signals obtained bythe enlargement processing section 106, the level display processingsection 107, the status generation module 108 or the like, the secondimage signals separated and acquired from the return signals are imagesignals for displaying a second image having information which becomeseffective when imaging. These second image signals are obtained, forexample, based on the captured image signals transmitted from the cameramain body 100 as main line signals at the camera control unit side.

For example, such second image signals separated and acquired from thereturn signals are image signals for displaying, as a second image, anon air image. Further, for example, such second image signals separatedand acquired from the return signals are image signals for displaying,as a second image, an image in which a display (marker) is includedwhich shows a location of a focus adjustment in the first image or anenlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image, or anenlarged image which shows a location of a focus adjustment. Further,for example, such second image signals separated and acquired from thereturn signals are image signals for displaying, as a second image, animage which includes information showing an imaging state.

The first selector 109 selectively extracts the first image signalsobtained by the standard processing section 105 or the first imagesignals obtained by the return separation processing section 113, andsupplies the extracted first image signals to the output module 110. Theoutput module 110 converts the first image signals supplied from thefirst selector 109 into signals of a signal format suitable for adigital interface to which the display unit 301 is adapted, for example,SDI signals, and transmits the converted first image signals to thedisplay unit 301.

The second selector 111 selectively extracts the second image signalsobtained by the enlargement processing section 106, the second imagesignals obtained by the level display processing section 107, the secondimage signals obtained by the status generation module 108 or the secondimage signals obtained by the return separation processing section 113,and outputs the extracted second image signals to the output module 112.The output module 112 converts the second image signals supplied fromthe second selector 111 into signals of a signal format suitable for adigital interface to which the display unit 302 is adapted, andtransmits the converted second image signals to the display unit 302.

The signal selections in the first selector 109 and the second selector111 are controlled by the control section 101. In this case, at the timewhen there are selector control signals from the camera control unit,these signal selections are controlled based on these control signals.

The flow chart of FIG. 3 shows an example of a switching control processof the first selector 109 and the second selector 111 in the controlsection 101. In step ST1, the control section 101 starts the controlprocess, and after this, moves to the process of step ST2.

In this step ST2, the control section 101 determines whether or notreturn signals for the first display unit have been input, that is,whether or not first image signals are included in the return signals.At the time when first image signals are included in the return signals,the control section 101 moves to the process of step ST3. On the otherhand, at the time when first image signals are not included in thereturn signals, in step ST4, the control section 101 switches a selector1 to standard processing signals, that is, switches the first selector109 so as to extract the first image signals obtained by the standardprocessing section 105. After this, the control section 101 moves to theprocess of step ST3.

In this step ST3, the control section 101 determines whether or notreturn signals for the second display unit have been input, that is,whether or not second image signals are included in the return signals.At the time when second image signals are included in the returnsignals, the control section 101 moves to the process of step ST5. Onthe other hand, at the time when second image signals are not includedin the return signals, in step ST6, the control section 101 switches aselector 2 in accordance with a main body selection instruction menu,that is, switches the second selector 111 so as to extract the secondimage signals shown by the main body selection instruction menu. Afterthis, the control section 101 moves to the process of step ST5.

In this step ST5, the control section 101 determines whether or notexternal control signals for the first display unit have been input tothe camera main body 100 from the camera control unit. At the time whenexternal control signals for the first display unit have been input, instep ST7, the control section 101 switches the selector 1, in accordancewith an external control instruction, that is, switches the firstselector 109 so as to extract the first image signals shown by theexternal control signals. Afterwards, the control section 101 moves tothe process of step ST8.

On the other hand, at the time when external control signals for thefirst display unit have not been input in step ST5, in step ST9, thecontrol section 101 switches the selector 1 to standard processingsignals, that is, switches the first selector 109 so as to extract thefirst image signals obtained by the standard processing section 105.Afterwards, the control section 101 moves to the process of step ST8.

In this step ST8, the control section 101 determines whether or notexternal control signals for the second display unit have been input tothe camera main body 100 from the camera control unit. At the time whenexternal control signals for the second display unit have been input, instep ST10, the control section 101 switches the selector 2, inaccordance with an external control instruction, that is, switches thesecond selector 111 so as to extract the second image signals shown bythe external control signals.

On the other hand, at the time when external control signals for thesecond display unit have not been input in step ST8, in step ST11, thecontrol section 101 moves to the process of step ST11. In this stepST11, the control section 101 switches the selector 2 in accordance witha main body selection instruction menu, that is, switches the secondselector 111 so as to extract the second image signals shown by the mainbody selection instruction menu.

The operations of the camera main body 100 shown in FIG. 2 will besimply described. The image signals output from the imaging section 103are supplied to the signal processing section 104, and a process such asa defect correction process is applied. The captured image signalsobtained by this signal processing section 104 are output from thecamera main body 100 as main line signals, and are transmitted, forexample, to the camera control unit.

Further, the captured image signals obtained by the signal processingsection 104 are supplied to the standard processing section 105, theenlargement processing section 106 and the level display processingsection 107. In the standard processing section 105, the captured imagesignals are processed, and first image signals with an HD resolution areobtained for displaying a first image of a same image frame as thesecaptured image signals, which corresponds to an image by these capturedimage signals. These first image signals are supplied to the firstselector 109.

Further, in the enlargement processing section 106, the captured imagesignals output from the signal processing section 104 are processed, andsecond image signals with an HD resolution are obtained for displaying,as a second image, an enlarged image corresponding to a part of thefirst image. These second image signals are supplied to the secondselector 111.

Further, in the level display processing section 107, the captured imagesignals output from the signal processing section 104 are processed, andsecond image signals are obtained for displaying, as a second image, animage which shows a region corresponding to a prescribed luminance levelrange of the captured image signals within the first image with a coloror specific luminance pattern specified in advance. These second imagesignals are supplied to the second selector 111.

Further, in the status generation module 108, second image signals areobtained for displaying, as a second image, an image which includesinformation showing an imaging state (a lens state, a camera settingstate or the like). These second image signals are supplied to thesecond selector 111.

Further, return signals transmitted from a camera control unit (CCU) arereceived by the return separation processing section 113. Also, in thisreturn separation processing section 113, first image signals and/orsecond image signals included in the return signals are separated andacquired. The first image signals are supplied to the first selector109, and the second image signals are supplied to the second selector111.

In the first selector 109, the first image signals obtained by thestandard processing section 105 or the first image signals obtained bythe return separation processing section 113 are selectively extracted,and the extracted first image signals are supplied to the output module110. In the output module 110, these first image signals are convertedinto signals of a prescribed signal format to which the display unit 301corresponds (for example, SDI signals or the like), and the convertedfirst image signals are supplied to the display unit 301. In this way, afirst image corresponding to an image by the captured image signals isdisplayed on the display unit 301, by the first image signals extractedby the first selector 109.

In the second selector 111, the second image signals obtained by theenlargement processing section 106, the second image signals obtained bythe level display processing section 107, the second image signalsobtained by the status generation module 108 or the second image signalsobtained by the return separation processing section 113 are selectivelyextracted, and the extracted second image signals are supplied to theoutput module 112. In the output module 112, these second image signalsare converted to signals of a prescribed signal format to which thedisplay unit 302 corresponds (for example, SDI signals or the like), andthe converted second image signals are supplied to the display unit 302.In this way, a second image which includes information showing animaging state is displayed on the display unit 302, by the second imagesignals extracted by the second selector 111.

FIG. 4 shows examples of a display of the display units 301 and 302 inthe case where either the second image signals from the enlargementprocessing section 106, the second image signals from the level displayprocessing section 107 or the second image signals from the statusgeneration module 108 are extracted by the second selector 111, that is,at the time when using camera internal signals.

In this case, in the second selector 111, either the first image signalsfrom the standard processing section 105 or the first image signals fromthe return separation processing section 113 are extracted, and astandard image, that is, a first image corresponding an image bycaptured image signals (main line signals), is displayed on the displayunit 301.

FIG. 4(a) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals from the enlargement processingsection 106 are extracted by the second selector 111. An enlarged imagecorresponding to a part of a standard image (first image) displayed onthe display unit 301 is displayed, as a second image, on the displayunit 302. This enlarged image is displayed, for example, with the aim offocusing the focus.

FIG. 4(b) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals from the level display processingsection 107 are extracted by the second selector 111. An image in whicha region corresponding to a prescribed luminance level range of capturedimage signals within a standard image (first image) displayed on thedisplay unit 301 is displayed with a color or specific luminance patternspecified in advance (for example, a zebra pattern, a crosshatch patternor the like) is displayed, as a second image, on the display unit 302.For example, a luminance level in the vicinity of 100% is displayed inred (refer to the arrow P), and a luminance level in the vicinity of 60%is displayed in green (refer to the arrow Q). This level display imageis displayed, for example, with the aim of a luminance level adjustmentby an iris.

FIG. 4(c) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals from the status generation module108 are extracted by the second selector 111. An image which includes amain line signal status display (frame rate, shutter opening angle orthe like) is displayed on the display unit 302. This image is displayed,for example, with the aim of usually confirming an imaging state.

FIG. 5 shows examples of a display of the display units 301 and 302 inthe case where second image signals from the return separationprocessing section 113 are extracted by the second selector 111, thatis, at the time when using return signals. In this case, in the secondselector 111, either the first image signals from the standardprocessing section 105 or the first image signals from the returnseparation processing section 113 are extracted, and a standard image,that is, a first image corresponding to an image by captured imagesignals (main line signals), is displayed on the display unit 301.

FIG. 5(a) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals are obtained, by the returnseparation processing section 113, for displaying an on air (ON AIR)image. An on air image is displayed on the display unit 302. This on airimage is displayed with the aim of managing its own imaging angle or thelike while confirming on air.

FIG. 5(b) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals are obtained, by the returnseparation processing section 113, for displaying an image in which adisplay (marker) is included which shows a location of a focusadjustment in a standard image (first image) displayed on the displayunit 301. An image having a rectangular frame (refer to the arrow R)which shows a location of a focus adjustment, for example, is displayedon the display unit 302. This image is displayed with the aim ofinstructing a specific focusing location of the focus from a cameracontrol unit side.

FIG. 5(c) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals are obtained, by the returnseparation processing section 113, for displaying an image in which adisplay (marker) is included which shows a location of a focusadjustment in an enlarged image of a standard image (first image)displayed on the display unit 301. An enlarged image having arectangular frame (refer to the arrow R) which shows a location of afocus adjustment, for example, is displayed on the display unit 302.This image is also displayed with the aim of instructing a specificfocusing location of the focus from a camera control unit side. Bydisplaying an enlarged image, focusing by a user (cameraman) becomeseasy.

FIG. 5(d) shows an example of a display of the display units 301 and 302in the case where second image signals are obtained, by the returnseparation processing section 113, for displaying an image whichincludes information showing an imaging state. An image which includes astate (frame rate or the like) of the system, for example, is displayedon the display unit 302. In this case, it becomes possible to displaynot only information of the camera main body 100 itself, but alsoinformation of an arbitrary imaging apparatus connected to a cameracontrol unit. This image is displayed with the aim of usually confirminginformation of the camera main body 100 itself and another imagingapparatus.

In the camera main body 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, first imagesignals for displaying a first image corresponding to an image bycaptured image signals are output and the output first image signals aresupplied to the display unit 301, and second image signals fordisplaying a second image having information which becomes effectivewhen imaging are output and the output second image signals are suppliedto the display unit 301. Accordingly, it becomes possible to displayinformation which becomes effective when imaging, without having aninfluence on a confirmation display of captured main line signals.

For example, in a lens focus operation, focusing becomes easy, even ifthere is a display pixel restriction of the display unit side, by anenlarged image of a necessary area, while confirming the natural entireimage which becomes a main line. Further, by using a return imagegenerated by a camera control unit (external apparatus), instructions ofa focus area can be performed smoothly.

Further, for example, in an iris operation of a lens, luminanceinformation of an arbitrary necessary area can be simultaneouslyconfirmed and operated, while confirming the natural entire image whichbecomes a main line. Further, for example, it becomes possible tousually understand various types of information of an imaging apparatusin imaging, while confirming a natural image which becomes a main line.

2. Modified Example

Note that, as shown in FIG. 6(a), an example has been shown in the abovedescribed embodiments in which two release type display units 301 and302 are included in the camera main body 100. However, a case can alsobe considered in which both the display units 301 and 302 are a viewingtype. In this case, it will be a configuration in which both the displayunits 301 and 302 are capable of being viewed, by having a user(cameraman) look with each of his or her eyes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a case can also be considered in whichone out of the two display units 301 and 302 is a release type, and theother is a viewing type. FIG. 7 shows a specific arrangement example ofthe display units 301 and 302 in this case. While an example is shown,in the illustrated example, in which the display unit 301 is a releasetype and the display unit 302 is a viewing type, they may be reversed.Note that, in this case, according to the contents of a second image, aconfiguration can also be considered in which this second image isswitched between being displayed by a release type and being displayedby a viewing type.

For example, at the time when second image signals selected by thesecond selector 111 are image signals which display an enlarged image,these image signals are supplied to the viewing type display unit.Further, for example, at the time when second image signals selected bythe second selector 111 are a level display image, these image signalsare supplied to the release type display unit.

Further, while a description has been made in the above describedembodiments in which the display units 301 and 302 are display unitswith an HD resolution, it is not limited to this. Further, while anexample has been shown in the above described embodiments in which thetwo display units 301 and 302 are connected to the camera main body 100,a configuration can also be considered in which three or more displayunits are connected to the camera main body 100. In this case, itbecomes possible for two or more images having information which becomeseffective when imaging to be simultaneously displayed, in a state inwhich a standard image (first image) is usually displayed. Further,while an example has been shown in the above described embodiments inwhich an image which has information showing an imaging state isindependently displayed, displaying information showing an imaging statesuperimposed on an enlarged image or a level display image can also beconsidered.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1) A camera apparatus, including:

a first output section which outputs first image signals for displayinga first image corresponding to an image by captured image signals; and

a second output section which outputs second image signals fordisplaying a second image having information which becomes effectivewhen imaging.

(2) The camera apparatus according to (1),

wherein the first image signals and the second image signals aregenerated in the camera apparatus and/or are transmitted from a cameracontrol unit as return signals.

(3) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2),

wherein the second image is an enlarged image corresponding to a part ofthe first image.

(4) The camera apparatus according to (3),

wherein the captured image signals are image signals with a 4 kresolution,

wherein the first image signals are image signals of a same image frameas the captured image signals, obtained by applying a down conversionprocess to the captured image signals, and

wherein the second image signals are image signals with an HD resolutionobtained by cutting out a part from the captured image signals.

(5) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2),

wherein the second image is an image which shows a region correspondingto a prescribed luminance level range of the captured image signalswithin the first image with a color or a specific luminance patternspecified in advance.

(6) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2),

wherein the second image is an image which includes information showingan imaging state.

(7) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2),

wherein the second image is an on air image.

(8) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2),

wherein the second image signals are image signals transmitted from acamera control unit as return signals, and

wherein the second image is an image in which a display is includedwhich shows a location of a focus adjustment in the first image or anenlarged image corresponding to a part of the first image.

(9) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including:

a standard processing section which obtains the first image signals byprocessing the captured image signals;

a signal reception section which receives the first image signalstransmitted from a camera control unit as return signals; and

a first selector which selectively extracts the first image signalsobtained by the standard processing section or the first image signalsreceived by the reception section, and transmits the extracted firstimage signals to the first output section.

(10) The camera apparatus according to (9),

wherein, at a time when there are control signals of the first selectorfrom a camera control unit, the first selector is controlled byswitching based on the control signals.

(11) The camera apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including:

a second selector which extracts any one type of second image signalsfrom a plurality of types of second image signals and transmits theextracted second image signals to the second output section.

(12) The camera apparatus according to (11), further including:

an enlargement processing section which obtains second image signals fordisplaying, as the second image, an enlarged image corresponding to apart of the first image by processing the captured image signals;

a level display processing section which obtains second image signalsfor displaying, as the second image, an image showing a regioncorresponding to a prescribed luminance level range of the capturedimage signals within the first image with a color or a specificluminance pattern specified in advance, by processing the captured imagesignals;

a status generation module which obtains second image signals fordisplaying, as the second image, an image which includes informationshowing an imaging state; and

a signal reception section which receives the second image signalstransmitted from a camera control unit as return signals,

wherein the second selector selectively extracts the second imagesignals obtained by the enlargement processing section, the second imagesignals obtained by the level display processing section, the secondimage signals obtained by the status generation module or the secondimage signals received by the signal reception section, and transmitsthe extracted second image signals to the second output section.

(13) The camera apparatus according to (12),

wherein, at a time when there are control signals of the second selectorfrom a camera control unit, the second selector is controlled byswitching based on the control signals.

(14) A camera apparatus, including:

a camera main body; and

two display units provided in the camera main body in a state in which auser is capable of observing the two display units at the same time,

wherein the camera main body has

a first output section which outputs first image signals for displayinga first image corresponding to an image by captured image signals, andsupplies the output first image signals to one of the two display units,and

a second output section which outputs second image signals fordisplaying a second image having information which becomes effectivewhen imaging, and supplies the output second image signals to the otherof the two display units.

(15) The camera apparatus according to (14),

wherein the two display units are both release type display units.

(16) The camera apparatus according to (14),

wherein the two display units are a viewing type display unit and arelease type display unit.

(17) The camera apparatus according to (16),

wherein, at a time when the second image is an enlarged imagecorresponding to a part of the first image, the camera main bodysupplies the second image signals output from the second output sectionto the viewing type display unit.

(18) The camera apparatus according to (16) or (17),

wherein, at a time when the second image is an image which shows aregion corresponding to a prescribed luminance level range of thecaptured image signals within the first image with a color or a specificluminance pattern specified in advance, the camera main body suppliesthe second image signals output from the second output section to therelease type display unit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera apparatus, comprising: a first outputmodule including a first communications interface configured to outputto a first display; a second output module including a secondcommunications interface configured to output image to a second display;and circuitry configured to control the first communication interface tooutput, to the first display, first image signals of a same view angleimage as a captured image, the captured image has a resolution ofgreater than or equal to 4K, and control the second communicationinterface to output, to the second display, second image signals of anenlarged image based on a part of the captured image, wherein the firstimage signals are image signals of a captured image applying adown-conversion process, and at least one of the first image signals andthe second image signals is transmitted as return signals from anexternal device other than the camera apparatus.
 2. The camera apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the return signals are a modified imagesignals based on captured image signals of the captured image, and thereturn signals are obtained at the camera apparatus by transmitting thecaptured image signals from the camera apparatus to the external device,modifying the captured image signals at the external device to generatethe modified image signals, and then returning the modified imagesignals from the external device to the camera apparatus.
 3. The cameraapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first image signals aresignals representing a captured image that are the return signals, andthe modified image signals are signals representing a modified imageobtained by converting a resolution of the captured image.
 4. The cameraapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second image signals aresignals representing a captured image that are the return signals, andthe modified image signals are signals representing an enlarged imageobtained by applying an enlargement process to the captured image. 5.The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the enlarged image isobtained by truncating or cropping the captured image.
 6. The cameraapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the enlarged image has aresolution of more than a high definition (HD) obtained by truncating orcropping the captured image.
 7. The camera apparatus according to claim1, the circuitry is further configured to select, from a plurality ofimage signals including the second image signals, output image signalsthat are output to the second display.
 8. The camera apparatus accordingto claim 7, wherein the plurality of image signals are image signals ofan image including one or more of a location of (i) a focus adjustmentin the captured image, (ii) a prescribed luminance level range of thecaptured image with a color or a specific luminance pattern specified inadvance, and (iii) information showing an imaging status with thecaptured image.
 9. A method of communicating respective image signalsfrom a first output module and a second output module to a first displaya second display, respectively, the method comprising: controlling thefirst output module to output, to the first display, first image signalsof a same view angle image as a captured image, the captured image has aresolution of greater than or equal to 4K; and controlling the secondoutput module to output, to the second display, second image signals ofan enlarged image based on a part of the captured image, wherein thefirst image signals are image signals of a captured image applying adown-conversion process, and at least one of the first image signals andthe second image signals is transmitted as return signals from anexternal device other than the camera apparatus.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the return signals are a modified imagesignals based on captured image signals of the captured image, and thereturn signals are obtained at the camera apparatus by transmitting thecaptured image signals from the camera apparatus to the external device,modifying the captured image signals at the external device to generatethe modified image signals, and then returning the modified imagesignals from the external device to the camera apparatus.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the first image signals are signalsrepresenting a captured image that are the return signals, and themodified image signals are signals representing a modified imageobtained by converting a resolution of the captured image.
 12. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the first image signals aresignals representing a captured image that are the return signals, andthe modified image signals are signals representing an enlarged imageobtained by applying an enlargement process to the captured image. 13.The method according to claim 9, further comprising obtaining theenlarged image by truncating or cropping the captured image.
 14. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein the enlarged image has a resolutionof more than a high definition (HD) obtained by truncating or croppingthe captured image.
 15. The method according to claim 9, furthercomprising selecting, from a plurality of image signals including thesecond image signals, output image signals that are output to the seconddisplay.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality ofimage signals are image signals of an image including one or more of alocation of (i) a focus adjustment in the captured image, (ii) aprescribed luminance level range of the captured image with a color or aspecific luminance pattern specified in advance, and (iii) informationshowing an imaging status with the captured image.
 17. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium including executable instructions,wherein the instructions, when executed by circuitry, cause thecircuitry to perform the steps: outputting, to the first display, firstimage signals of a same view angle image as a captured image; andoutputting, to the second display, second image signals of an enlargedimage based on a part of the captured image, wherein the first imagesignals are image signals of a captured image applying a down-conversionprocess, and at least one of the first image signals and the secondimage signals is transmitted as return signals from an external deviceother than the camera apparatus.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium according to claim 17, wherein the executableinstructions, when executed by circuitry, cause the circuitry to select,from a plurality of image signals including the second image signals,output image signals that are output to the second display, wherein theplurality of image signals are image signals of an image including oneor more of a location of (i) a focus adjustment in the captured image,(ii) a prescribed luminance level range of the captured image with acolor or a specific luminance pattern specified in advance, and (iii)information showing an imaging status with the captured image.